Bob Jr

Buying Guide. This month we look at the six-cylinder E60 diesel saloons. The E60 was a revolutionary design when it burst on to the scene in 2003 but now we’ve become accustomed to its shape and been seduced by its charms we reckon it’s an excellent used buy. Words: Bob Harper and Andrew Everett Photography: Dave Smith.

BMW UK has now released pricing and spec details for the new 5 Series that will be hitting our showrooms in February next year and before one looks at specification levels, the new car does seem to be quite a bit more expensive than the outgoing F10 generation machine. Four different engines will be available when the car goes on sale – 520d, 530d, 530i and 540i – and these will be available in a variety of two- and four-wheel drive guises. Unlike other markets the UK will only have two trim levels – SE and M Sport – Luxury spec won’t be listed over here for the simple reason that with the F10 hardly anyone spec’d it! The two diesel models will be available as SE and M Sports with or without xDrive while the 530i will only feature rear-wheel drive in either SE or M Sport trim. The (for now) rangetopping 540i will only be offered as an xDrive model, and can be spec’d either as an SE or M Sport. Full pricing can be seen in the accompanying table but if we look at the two diesel models (as these are the only two where a proper like-for-like comparison can be made) then the new 520d SE is £3410 more expensive than the F10 and the new 530d M Sport is £2715 dearer than the outgoing equivalent.

It might not have the fire-breathing powertrain of the Z4 M Coupé but the 3.0Si version still has good looks, excellent performance and reasonable running costs – it’s a great used buy! Words: Bob Harper and Andrew Everett Photography: Dom Fraser.

As part of BMW M’s birthday party to celebrate 30 years of the iconic model, it has wheeled out several of the rare prototypes that have previously been glimpsed only in passing…

Five Star The new Five is upon us and we’ve all the details on BMW’s seventh generation mid-range executive. New 5 Series G30 Sleeker, leaner, faster – hi-tech new Five breaks cover. Five Star It might be a corny headline but the all-new 5 Series looks like BMW has taken the best elements of the 7 Series and wrapped them up in an attractive mid-sized package. Words: Bob Harper. Photography: BMW/Drive-My.

Do you remember that AC Schnitzer once made a supercharger kit for the E46 330i? We have fond memories of the conversion so jumped at the chance to drive one today Words: Bob Harper. Photography: Dave Smith.

Performance Art. We get up close and personal with the wonderful M2 with a host of M Performance accessories.  We love the M2 straight out of the box but can the addition of some M Performance accessories improve it still further? Words: Bob Harper. Photography: Gus Gregory.

It may be 50 years old but the ’02 is still a great classic buy Buying Guide The 2002 celebrates its 50th birthday this year – what better time to discover how to bag a good one?  BMW E10 ’02 models. We celebrate the ’02’s 50th birthday by looking back at what made it so great and what to look for when buying one.  Words: Bob Harper and Andrew Everett Photography: BMW.